Our volunteers are students and physicians from the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, School of Health Professions, College of Nursing, and School of Public Health. Under the guidance of volunteer physicians and faculty advisors, our students provide care and health-maintenance screening to enrolled patients. We also provide access to a network of specialists who have volunteered to treat our patients at no cost. Students who volunteer at the clinic are highly motivated learners dedicated to community service. The support and generosity of the SUNY Downstate Medical Center gives us the means to provide free, high‐quality services to our patients.
We are...
SUNY DOWNSTATE STUDENTS
We are a student-run free clinic. A fully-board-certified physician supervises our work and helps us with clinical decision-making.
COMMITTED TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
We are committed to addressing health disparities in Brooklyn through service. We envision a world in which every patient has the resources they need to be healthy.
PASSIONATE ABOUT EDUCATION
Through our work we strive to learn both clinical healthcare and about how to become more socially conscious providers.
Our Mission
By focusing the combined talents and energy of SUNY Downstate students, we aim to improve access to comprehensive health services for those in greatest need. The Brooklyn Free Clinic’s mission is to augment existing health programs by expanding coverage to the uninsured and networking with other institutions to improve health care delivery. In addition, we aim to identify issues of direct concern to our target population and work to address them with our patients. As the only medical school in Brooklyn, we take pride in making sure our neighbors receive immediate and preventative health services, including health education in addition to clinical care.
Testimonials
"Brooklyn Free Clinic is a shining example of everything American medicine needs to be (but isn’t at all). I had an amazing experience here last night – from the friendliness of reception to the professionalism of the medical staff – and the only downside I saw was that this free community service is one that more people don’t know about. Hopefully this review will help to change that (BFC wasn’t even a Yelp entry until I added it! I learned about it on the Brokelyn website)."
- Elishevah G.
"I needed to go to the doctor and am in between insurance policies, so I found the Brooklyn Free Clinic online and went the next day during walk-in hours (Wednesday, 5-6pm)… If you don’t have health insurance and need to see a doctor, I’d recommend this clinic! Just make sure you make an appointment in advance. And bring a book to pass the time in the waiting room."
- Brendan F.